Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie vs. Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile
An in-depth look at the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two strong contenders are the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile. The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, known for its medium weight and smooth feel, stands out for its thocky sound profile, making it an appealing option for users who appreciate a satisfying auditory feedback alongside a seamless typing experience. Its all-POM construction not only enhances durability but also ensures a price point that doesn't compromise on quality. Conversely, the WS Silent Tactile switches prioritize a quieter environment without sacrificing tactile feedback, ideal for office settings or shared spaces. With their innovative design that eliminates silicone dampeners and features precision-engineered stem railings, these switches offer a medium level of tactility alongside remarkable noise reduction, bridging the gap between tranquility and responsiveness. Both switches cater to different typing preferences: the Sea Salt Smoothie for enthusiasts seeking satisfying sound and smoothness, and the WS Silent Tactile for those needing discretion while typing. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
48g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm extended double-stage spring
Spring
15mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile, one can observe notable differences in the materials used. The Sea Salt Smoothie's top and bottom housings are crafted from POM (Polyoxymethylene), which is known for its ability to deliver a unique, deeper sound profile. This characteristic is complemented by the fact that POM's density helps to create a more muted sound. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile features a nylon top and bottom housing. Nylon is celebrated for its softer composition, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This allows the WS Silent Tactile to produce a sound that is both rounder and less sharp compared to the Sea Salt Smoothie's more distinctly muted tones.
While the two switches employ different materials for their housings, both contribute to achieving similar auditory experiences. The POM housings of the Sea Salt Smoothie create an ambiance that is both smooth and unique, underpinned by a deeper timber. In contrast, the WS Silent Tactile's nylon housing, with its softer nature, offers a sound that ushers in a rounded quality, absorbing sound effectively. This absorption leads to less reverberation, fostering a serene typing environment. Despite these differences, the focus on achieving a gentle sound profile ties both switches together, appealing to users who favor a less aggressive auditory experience while typing.
Moreover, the influence of these housing materials extends beyond sound to the tactile experience of these switches. Since the Sea Salt Smoothie's POM housing excels at producing muted sounds, it lends a particular quality to both the sound and feel during key presses. Similarly, the nylon in the WS Silent Tactile enhances the overall feeling by softening the impact and sound upon bottoming out. Ultimately, while the two models differ in material composition, they both provide depth to the typing experience and can cater to enthusiasts seeking similar auditory and tactile results by capitalizing on their unique properties.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch, notable differences emerge. The Sea Salt Smoothie features an actuation force of 48 grams, providing a lighter touch that may be preferable for extended typing or gaming sessions. However, its bottom out force remains unknown, meaning it's unclear how much resistance one would face when pressing the key all the way down. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile switch has an unknown actuation force, but it does have a defined bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which is categorized as medium-heavy. This information suggests that the WS Silent Tactile switch may provide a more substantial typing experience, appealing to users who prefer the feedback of a heavier push. Overall, the Sea Salt Smoothie is the lighter option, while the WS Silent Tactile is heavier, catering to different user preferences regarding typing feel and effort.
Travel distance
The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch exhibit distinct travel distances that cater to different user preferences. The Sea Salt Smoothie has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, making it the longer option compared to the WS Silent Tactile, which measures at 3.5 mm. This slight difference of 0.2 mm means that the Sea Salt Smoothie may provide a deeper, more substantial feel when pressed, ideal for users who appreciate a hearty depth in their key presses. Conversely, the WS Silent Tactile, with its shorter travel distance, could be more suitable for gamers and typists seeking quicker response times and a more abrupt feel. Ultimately, while both switches offer a functional range, the choice between them will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and the tactile feedback they seek in their typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Salt Smoothie for $2.70.
The Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile comes in at $4.20 per 10 switches.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
In terms of sound, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switch is characterized by a thocky sound profile, producing a satisfying auditory feedback that many enthusiasts appreciate. This thockiness can create a more impactful sound with each keystroke, making it an engaging experience for the user. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch is designed for environments where noise reduction is a priority. It features a muted sound that minimizes the typical clack of mechanical keyboards, making it suitable for office settings or shared spaces. While both switches produce distinct auditory experiences, the Sea Salt Smoothie delivers a more pronounced sound, while the WS Silent Tactile emphasizes quiet operation, presenting a favorable balance depending on the user's environment.
When considering the feel, the Sea Salt Smoothie excels in delivering a smooth and satisfying typing experience. Although its specific tactile characteristics aren't detailed, the mention of exceptional smoothness suggests a fluid keystroke that many users find enjoyable. In contrast, the WS Silent Tactile offers a medium tactility that strikes a balance between pronounced feedback and comfort. It has an invigorating response, providing just enough tactile bump to enhance typing without being overwhelming. The combination of these features yields a typing experience that is responsive yet approachable, making the WS Silent Tactile suitable for those who appreciate tactile feedback without excessive harshness.
In conclusion, while both the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches cater to different preferences, they each deliver unique qualities that can satisfy a range of typists. The Sea Salt Smoothie is ideal for users seeking a pronounced auditory experience along with smooth key presses. Conversely, the WS Silent Tactile is best for those who prioritize quietness without sacrificing tactile feedback. Your choice between the two ultimately depends on your personal preference for sound and feel; both switches provide satisfying experiences that cater to different typing environments and needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch ultimately hinges on your typing preferences and the environments in which you plan to use your keyboard. If you are seeking an ultra-smooth typing experience with a thocky sound profile, the Sea Salt Smoothie is your go-to option, especially if you enjoy engaging in long typing sessions and appreciate a more linear feel without the tactile bump. This switch excels in casual or home environments where the subtle sound can enhance your typing without being overly disruptive. On the other hand, if you require a balanced typing experience suitable for quieter settings like offices, the WS Silent Tactile would be ideal for you. Its medium tactility and innovative design provide a pleasant typing sensation with reduced noise, ensuring you can type comfortably alongside fellow workers without causing distractions. Ultimately, consider whether you prioritize smoothness and sound or tactility and silence when making your decision, and you'll find the perfect switch to meet your needs.
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